Edward Joseph Heon, data visionary, co-founder of DATAgility, and longtime advisor to Industry Data Exchange Association (IDEA), passed away on June 9, 2025, at the age of 88, surrounded by family at his home in Hatfield, Massachusetts.
A pioneer in product data management, Ed’s influence spanned decades and industries. His early work in data synchronization in the late 1990s helped manufacturers and distributors embrace structured product data as a strategic business asset.
He was instrumental in developing standards for product data and cross-references for IDEA and the National Association of Electrical Distributors (NAED).
In 2006, Ed received the Automotive Aftermarket Visionary Award for his work developing data standards that are still in use today. He played a vital role in shaping the Product Information Exchange Standards (PIES) and worked with the Auto Care Association and SEMA.
His leadership continued through DATAgility, the company founded with Denise Keating, which was acquired by IDEA in 2022. Ed remained active in the industry, serving as a consultant and mentor up until his final days.
Those who worked with Ed remember him not just for his technical expertise, but for his generosity, humility, and ability to guide and uplift others. He leaves behind a powerful legacy in the digital transformation of the distribution channel.
Ed is survived by his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Maureen.
Ed’s full obituary can be found here.
For more on Ed’s impact on the electrical industry, visit IDEA’s Digital Innovators series.
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